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Audi A6 3.0 TDI DPF Quattro, 233 hp, 459 torque
:confuse: Are you sure about the specs on these two?
Anyway, out of that list I would also choose one of the BMWs... but why aren't you considering the A4 3.0TDI?
It must be taken into account, though, that on that list the A4 is pretty easily the quickest car. It doesn't lose much in the way of mileage to the diesel 3ers, either.
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
As long as you can stand the tin top...
It looks sensational with the top down, but with it up... I'm not even going to go there. That's the only thing stopping me from looking at the future M3 convertible; I would go with the coupe (or 335i coupe) instead. They also offer far more trunk space and slightly better performance.
You could call me biased; I'm certainly a rag person. But it's always better to consider the pros and cons of each. BMW seems like the kind of company that would stick to soft tops due to the weight/practicality advantage; that's what Audi and Porsche are doing, and I love them for that. I was disappointed by the boys in Munich...
But I'm sure all will be forgiven when I drive the new M3. I've decided that it comes down to the B8 RS4 and E92 M3, because I only want one car. There is simply not enough sense in keeping two, because that means FOUR cars that are always at our house. The house is big, but the garage, sadly, is not... S8/CL/QP are too big to be fun, the 911 is too cliché. Both the Audi and the BMW can get me through all kinds of weather in comfort, speed and style. I love the B7 RS4, but it won't be out any more by the time I start shopping (late this year/early next year), and I'm hoping the B8 will be out by then.
I almost forgot! I will also wait for the RS6 sedan to hit our shores, which should be one hell of a car. Seriously. It will be the fastest sedan in the world. The M5 is also on my wish list, but something tells me the RS6 will blow it away.
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
Audi A6 3.0 TDI DPF Quattro, 233 hp, 459 torque
Are you sure about the specs on these two?
:confuse: My mistake. Where I posted A4 2.0 TDI DPF Quattro, 240 hp, 510 torque I should have posted A4 3.0 TDI DPF Quattro, 240 hp, 510 torque.
Anyway, out of that list I would also choose one of the BMWs... but why aren't you considering the A4 3.0TDI?
It must be taken into account, though, that on that list the A4 is pretty easily the quickest car. It doesn't lose much in the way of mileage to the diesel 3ers, either.
So, I am considering the A4 3.0TDI. Only that I have some bias towards BMW. My past experience with BMW? May be because there are more Audis around me at present time? Here is where the irrational comes.
I am also giving some thinking now—thanks are due to LG
In the end I would follow my feelings, which are clearly build upon my rational/irrational halves. Which one is going to win this time?
Regards,
Jose
There's always the used market. I definitely wouldn't expect the B8 RS4 to be out by early next year. S4 yes, RS4, no. Audi always seems very slow to get their RS models ready. I don't even think the RS5 will be out by early next year. While I'm sure the B8 RS4 is going to be an AMG/M killer, even the new S4 should be a very impressive machine if it's powered by their new turbo.
The RS6 should be a monster, but beating this M5 will be easy, certainly easier than it was last time.
BMWsite Sedona Red color pictures look more like the car I saw. Videos at Series 1 Media Gallery of the same site depict a more mitigated color (Crimson Red? a more closed camera objective?).
Regards,
Jose
If the A4 was not going to be replaced this fall I would probably get an A4 cab, I do like the cloth top better. You are correct that the 335 hard top is not great when it is up but I hope to use the car mostly with the top down, and the thought of the 300hp engine with a 6-speed is enticing.
You were mentioning your garage, I had the same issue before, I had a 2 car garage so I added another 2 car garage. Now that 4 spaces are there, they need to be filled. I also have a 2 car garage at the beach house which houses my 2001 330 cab. We all have the same car bug, it is hard to get over it, very expensive hobby. Especially if you get the RS6 although that would be the hot car of this board.
Best wishes.
There's nothing like a constant, direct steering ratio. And yes, the M cars are living proof that BMW tacitly admits it sucks.
In addition, BMW originally foisted active steering on buyers of the sport package in the first year of the E60 5-series to the chagrin of many. The fact that they made it a stand-alone option the following year is also evidence that they threw up the white flag on that feature.
I also resent that Porsche pulled a copycat and went with a variable steering ratio on its current generation 911s and Boxsters. However it is innocuous, hardly noticeable compared to BMW’s. They are nothing, NOTHING alike.
I would suggest driving a 3-series with AS to see “what you are missing.”
As far as color, you probably know this but there really is no way of knowing what you are getting until you see it in the flesh. Neither print, video or photos will reveal true color.
Driving a nice expensive car gives you a sense of satisfaction, not passion. Passion I will reserve for other pursuits. :shades:
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I also think of Merc often. After his departure, I spent some time on the forum he now frequents, but quite honestly, for me it's not all that easy to stay focused enough on too many forum websites... and they admittedly steal too much time away as it is, so I decided to stay with this one. I like this Luxury Lounge forum best of all... much better than the old HELM/ HELC forum.
LG's remarks about Mercedes' products were quite potent. That post really got my attention, and I've been thinking about it a lot.
OH yes... thank you for the feedback on the BMW AS. LG's perspective on it was excellent, and it is helpful to know that you are in agreement based upon solid experience and knowledge. I thank you for that.
BTW, I read your remark about color representation. I agree, of course... with this exception. You will appreciate this... my company recently had to produce one of the most challenging print jobs in its history... accurate printed color representations of various marble stone products... on the same sheet in the brochure!! One sample would have been hard enough... but a dozen?!!! If it wasn't for the awesome German Heidelberg SpeedMaster press, our talented Graphics director and great software, and our capable pressman, we would never have accomplished it. I take little credit except for telling the client it could be done, when all other attempts by other companies had failed. After first landing the job, my crew thought I was nuts... until they actually and incredibly pulled it off! :surprise:
TagMan
The MB S Class, CL, CLS, SL are all considered the best in their class.
No not every auto that MB makes is top in its class but there is also not a single auto maker whose every single model is considered a benchmark model. MB SUVs are certainly not the best of the best but SUVs are not what MB is all about.
Based on the latest surveys MB S Class reliability and quality has at least for now been good.
I notice MB's message on the C Class is focused on its durability (pre-tested under the most extreme of extreme circumstances) and high quality. If their C Class message is confirmed by future quality/reliability studies then both the C Class and S Class will be able to re-establish MB's reputation for their stellar high quality durable cars.
Soon MB will pull the plug on the horrid E Class and a new generation will be introduced. A high quality E Class would be icing to MB's cake.
Performance MB's are wonderful but that is not what MB is all about and AMG just satisfies a small sliver of MB buyers. Quality , technology, luxury and durability is what MB has always been about and it's tarnished star can easily be buffed and shined with their new models.
The voices of the many who believe the above statement is hardly ever heard here. Performance drowns out all other considerations in this forum. I dont disagree with that performance notion(that is why I like BMWs) but that is certainly not a notion that is shared among all luxury auto buyers. That is probably why so few MB/Lexus owners exist here in this forum but are a common site outside on our roads.
TM
Way to go Darren!!!!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Dilemma: Taking the family skiing next weekend (Sunday). Pats game starts at 3pm, mountain's open 'till 4pm. Then family will want to be fed... What to do, what to do? I know what I'll do! Whatever the evil wife tells me too...
Nor'easter tomorrow, finally will get to try my new Dunlop Snow Tires (or, winter performance tires...). First time I've ever had snows...
Back to the Giants game...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
All very arguable. You're really going to chose a boring CL over a Maser GT or Aston DB9? What is the CLS's class? It's really just an E-class in a fancy dress, a sedan that doesn't have enough room for adults in the back, and I'm sorry, but the SL is no match for an XKR.
I notice MB's message on the C Class is focused on its durability (pre-tested under the most extreme of extreme circumstances) and high quality.
That's great that MB is trying to "get back to quality" but if their product frankly isn't as good as the 3 series or A4, which it isn't, what's the point? It's not as if Audi and BMW dont test their cars in the frozen wastes and searing deserts. MB needs more than cars that just don't fall apart.
For me, there isn't a single compelling MB product, and while I'm no longer nervous about buying BMW or Audi, I am still nervous about MB. The S class and the new C class might be reliable, but what about the rest? How are those 'Bama built Benzes holding up these days?
Why? Have I unknowingly moved to California again? In all honesty I'm really not even a sports fan.
I'm generally no fan of MB, less of a fan of most MB owners, and agree with the earlier post by Lexusguy re: MB, "Where is the product?". But , lets be real, the E Class isn't horrid, has gotten good reviews, sells well, has good resale, etc. etc.
If you can avoid ticking off the options, the E Class with the no cost Sport Package is better for most applications and less money than a comparable 5 Series. In any case it isn't "horrid".
CL is really nice but very large coupe.
saw 1today in black not sure was a 63 or 65 new1.
Here's a related question. Certainly some cars like the 911have got to be considered expenditures on a toy. When you shop a 911 (or the AM V8, etc.) do you cross shop non-automotive toys like boats?
In considering my own case, in a recent post I mentioned that I had the hots for a new vehicle last month and had cross shopped an S Class against a Chevvy Silverado. I picked the Silverado for several reasons, one of which I now realize was that my Asset Allocation for cars would be out of whack if we had a Porsche Cayenne and an S Class in our driveway at the same time.
I have a prediction for you and your Silverado. I believe you will hang onto it longer than most of your rides. I seldom keep a car for more than 3 years because I simply get tired of them. Not so with our LX 470. We have had it for almost 5 years and I would hate to give it up. Also both my sons have asked that when we do decide to sell it, please give them first crack.
There is just something about a big old honking truck!! They seem to age well.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Interesting, very interesting. I cut my teeth in a printing shop in Texas in the '60's, during which I learned quite a lot that is no longer relevant, having to to with linotypes, slugs, darkroom photography & the like. I also fell in love with the mechanics of printing presses, most of which are also obsolete these days, unless printing currency is the goal. The neatest of the lot was a Heidelberg -- made a lasting impression on me.
Good to hear that old-school printers are not completely obsolete. . .yet.
Plus which, business has taken me to Germany & to Heidelberg -- always nice to put a name with a face (location).
Yes, yes, I know all this... but I'm still crossing my fingers. One of the top dogs at Quattro GmbH has officially stated that they're going to be putting performance models out faster.
I'm not considering the new S4. Yes, it'll be great, but like the 335xi, I just can't see myself having one as an every day driver. As ostentatious as this sounds, either one would have to be a winter car. And you already know that I'm not getting another winter car.
So, the worst that can happen is that I have to buy a BMW M3 or M5. Boo-hoo! :P
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
Hm. That doesn't make a whole lot of sense. If the Cayman is already your summer car, what's the point of getting the 335 cab? Why not a 335i/xi coupe, like you originally considered? Or is weather not an issue where you live?
My dilemma is that my beloved A8 is coming off lease next month and like many others on this board, I am not that excited about cars in that class right now.
I agree. A big sedan just won't be so interesting until the new 7 and new A8 are out. The only one that I think is really, truly DESIRABLE is the S-Class. And that's too big, as well as having a certain image that turns me off.
It will cost 20% more per month plus the lease will be a year longer than my current one.
Yeah, don't go there.
You were mentioning your garage, I had the same issue before, I had a 2 car garage so I added another 2 car garage.
Ah, I don't have that luxury. My house is built in a way that the garage is sideways (it's a medium-sized driveway that I go straight into, but you have to turn at an awkward angle to get in the garage), and if I put another garage directly next to it, it would ruin the house's aesthetic. On the other side is a gate with quite elegant stone steps down to our back yard... and I wouldn't want to ruin that, either. So no extra garages for me.
However, I found out about brick pavers. From afar they look just like my lawn. I had the perfect amount of space on the other side of my driveway (not where the lawn is) to put two parking spaces--they're just intricately placed bricks with grass put around them. It fits two small cars, like the A3 and my son's Civic, very easily. But if I got yet another car, and my daughter bought herself a car in the next couple of years, that would mean five cars at home if all of my kids were there, and six if I brought my winter car. It simply wouldn't work.
We all have the same car bug, it is hard to get over it, very expensive hobby.
Indeed.
Especially if you get the RS6 although that would be the hot car of this board.
By the way, I was a bit harsh on the 335 convertible. As long as you get it in the right color, the top isn't very noticeable.
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
As already said... the only one I really agree with is the S.
What class does the CLS belong to, exactly?
Instead of an SL, which is showing its age, why not get the less-expensive, sexier, more powerful, better-handling, more luxurious Jaguar XKR?
The CL is stunning, but it doesn't really have any competition at that price, either. The BMW 6 Series is too small, the Bentley Conti GT, too expensive.
Soon MB will pull the plug on the horrid E Class and a new generation will be introduced. A high quality E Class would be icing to MB's cake.
"Horrid?" Really? I have driven two E350 4Matics and both were lovely. It's a very elegant car with the Sport package, IMO the best looker in the class. The interior isn't up to A6 standards, but it's fine. The Bluetec is, IMO, revolutionary. What else is there? Reliability problems aside, it's one of the top contenders in the midsize realm.
Sadly, the new wave of MBs will not make use of the S/CL school of interior design. Apparently, they will all be similar to the C-Class interior. It seems like it was designed with a ruler, and the same is true of the GLK interior. They make the BMW X3's interior look traditional and lavish. I am crossing my fingers for the E.
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
Neither is particularly great. AMG just doesn't fit that car's personality. The 63 AMG is actually supposed to be the worst of the bunch; if you have a craving for superpower then get the CL65, but the CL600 is the smoothest, most luxurious, coolest, most complete, etc...
As much as I love sporty cars, if you're getting a CL then you get it with extra opulence. The CL550 and CL600 for me, please.
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
Correct. And I think I'm really liking the new Dodge Ram, Ford F-150 (both at the '08 Detroit show) and Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra. Enough to buy? Uh, I don't know. It's always fun to experiment in the automotive world. I even like the Toyota Tundra!
Do we think they're worth a try? How about a Cadillac Escalade EXT? :shades: LOL.
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
I personally do not. However, I know people who do. My wife is averse to boats, so we won't be getting a yacht any time soon, but as far as "toys" are concerned a vacation home would be nice. 2009 is going to be my year of freedom--I'm done with tuition payments until my 15 year old gets there! Rejoice!
I admire your choice in the Silverado. What colors, options?
'08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
TagMan
The only problem is the car only looks decent with the AMG body treatment. In standard guise, it just looks, big, rather dull and somewhat clumsy, a muumuu compared to the Aston and Maser little black dresses.
Firstly, the Nissan GT-R looks much better in real life than I could have ever imagined based upon the photos. Pics clearly don't do it justice. It will represent more than a rich-boy-racer car. This is a serious machine, gentlemen... period. And, it's a bargain... really. I cannot put into words just what a monster this vehicle really is. It has my fullest respect.
The R8 is gorgeous, and is a car to lust for, if you are willing to wait a long time. I thought blkhemi or someone here on this forum had a chance to get one, as I recall... well, he should have gotten it, IMO. It's fabulous. Cars just don't get all that much more beautiful than this... and if they do, they are generally Italian and cost a fortune.
The rest of the Audis are handsome cars. I continue to expect them to gain share here, especially from Mercedes. The RS4 is a wolf in sheep's clothing, as it packs 420 horsepower in that rather conservative body. Audi is starting to become known for producing VERY powerful vehicles.
The Chevy Volt is so very cool looking. I'd rather have it than a Prius ANY day, if I were in the market that is. Performance specs are not final yet, so that will be an important factor, of course.
The full-size hybrid Tahoe is a nice surprise for that segment. Huge mileage gains, somewhere on the order of 50 %.
The Lexus LX570 on the other hand is a hog... sorry, but it is. It has a terrible body design jammed full of nifty technology and ammenities, delivering all of 12 mpg city and not much more highway... all for the wonderful price in the $70+K range! I can't imagine anyone wanting it, but I guess they will.
The Jaguar section was jammed with people... surprising. The XF is beautiful, especially the rear, which is unusual for any car, IMO. So often the rear seems like an afterthought. The XF rear design is unmatched in its segment. The car is stunning. The rear legroom is OK, but nothing on the order of the long wheelbase models, of course. The interior is classy. The front end is a little weaker than I had expected, but still very attractive. The car was roped off, but I got invited in after discussing my Vanden Plas...LOL.
The BMW 1-series was the 128i, but thankfully it was in the Sedona Red that I've been questioning lately. The color is on the order of metallic red paint primer... sort of a clay color red. I hated it. The interior, however was solid black with aluminum trim and it looked wonderful. So, I will order my 135i with silver exterior and black interior. I noticed on a different model that BMW silver is a very brilliant and light silver loaded with fine metallic particle. It has a bright lustre so that's what I'll get. The BMW reps were not all that excited about the Sedona Red either. The car itself is terrific looking and the rear-seat room is better than I expected... thankfully. The car will be a very big success, IMO.
The exotics are always fun to look at, and today was no exception. Gosh, the Italians sure know how to design cars for their sexy looks... overall, unmatched.
The Dodge Demon two-seater convertible is adorable. This car could do very well. Better than the Sky or Solstice, IMO.
The Chevy Camaro on display was modified, but very nice looking. The wheels were HUGE, and it gave the car a great posture and stance. Unfortunately, the way it was displayed, I couldn't really see the interior well enough to comment.
There was a Chrysler supercar called the ME Four-Twelve that was stunning... I suggest you all google it just to see it.
The Acura MDX still represents one of the best SUV choices out there, but it's interior materials and workmanship were noticeably not up to par. That's my chief complaint about it. It is so well designed otherwise.
The other SUV that caught me by surprise was the Enclave. This vehicle is a winner, IMO. Very well done, if you can stand that Buick look.
The Toyota Highlander is a very versatile vehicle that is extremely cheap-looking on the interior. Too bad, because it has a good layout. The exterior design looks odd somehow.
I think the Mazda CX-9 was a good surprise in the SUV segment, although I didn't like the second row seat tracks that span the entire floor area in front of the second row. Poor idea, but this SUV deserves some attention, too.
Overall, I give GM high marks for its SUVs, as well as Acura for its MDX. BTW, the other Acuras also seemed a little too cheap on the interior materials... something LG has been shouting to us for a long time. I think he is right.
Nothing from Mercedes was a big surprise. The expected good-looking, yet somewhat boring line-up, (I never thought I'd say that) but I think the new C-Class is an OK car. The interior was adequate enough for its price range, but it doesn't have the quality interior look that the BMW or Audi , or even the Infiniti small cars have. The only Mercedes that I currently like are the S-Class, the SL, the CL-Class (2-door only), and I still like the GL. (I include the GL in spite of its harsh drive... which has made me wonder if the suspension was set incorrectly when we tested it. I also include it because it quite possibly has the best interior layout of any 3-row SUV).
The VW BlueMotion, as they call it, is a diesel vehicle that will likely get the equivalent of over 60 mpg here in the US, when it finally arrives in '09!! Also the VW Toureg diesel was a wonderful surprise... due in '09... too bad no third-row long-wheelbase version.
Oh, yes, the Bugatti Veyron... there was a "for sale" sign near it... not a factory sticker or anything... $1,750,000.00. The car was better looking in person than any pic I'd ever seen. Let's see now, the Bugatti for $1.75 million, or that GT-R for ???. GT-R, 0-60 in 3.5 seconds! Trust me, the GT-R is a steal.
Anyway, I'm sure I've forgotten a lot, but that's enough for now. It was a lot of fun. I recorded the Dallas/NY game, as I left for the show right after the Chargers beat the Colts.
TagMan
There's nothing old-school about it. The industry has changed. No cameras, no typesetting equipment, no film-stripping department. Everything is digital.
Even with the offset projects, the workflow is mostly digital and the film or plates (you can choose) are made digitally with a direct-to-plate, or direct-to-film laser-imaging RIP (raster imaging processor ). Heidelberg's SpeedMaster represents the modern approach to offset printing, and uses the latest technology, unlike the Heidelberg presses of the old days. Ink fountains have remote controls and are divided into multiple zones for total color control, which is done by the operator at a remote console by touching his "light pen" to a touchscreen that shows all the different ink fountains and their respective zones. Hardly old-school... it's futuristic, if anything.
Sraight digital utilizes Xerox technology, and now includes a Creo front-end which is similar to the Fiery controller, but much more powerful. The straight digital advantage is instant imaging with no make-ready, but the disadvantage is it is slow, delivering about one page per every four seconds up to about one page per second... sometimes slightly faster. The other advantage is continuously variable data, whereby every sheet is different or unique.
In spite of all this, however, the very finest jobs in the world must be run on the best offset machines... like a Heidelberg SpeedMaster, and others. BTW, impression speeds on this press can be cranked up to an outstanding 15,000 sheets an hour, which is 250 sheets every minute, which is 4.16 full-color impressions every second. It's so fast and automated, it's freaky.
Times certainly have changed since your days in "Ye old print shop"!
TagMan
I am glad you solved your dilemma
Regards,
Jose
Indeed. Even more of a bargain than the Vette, I think. No leaf springs, better interior, AWD, and it avoids the "gold chain rep" that the Vette has.
There was a Chrysler supercar called the ME Four-Twelve that was stunning... I suggest you all google it just to see it.
I remember that from a few years ago. Rumors said MB would not let them make it because the car could outperform the SLR. Now they technically could if they wanted to, but not a chance under Nardelli/Cerberus.
BTW, the other Acuras also seemed a little too cheap on the interior materials... something LG has been shouting to us for a long time. I think he is right.
It's nothing new really, Acuras have always been that way. The problem is that Acura prices have crept up to Infiniti and Lexus levels, while they still have those "Kmart-luxury" interiors. If they are a near luxury brand, they need to cut their prices by $5K across the board. If they want to play in the big leagues on the other hand, its time to step it up on the inside. No more 8-way/4-way seats, no more fake wood, no more warmed over Accords.
Well, it was tricky for a little while, but ultimately very fortunate that I got to see it in person at just the right time. Thanks for all your help along the way. Even though it turns out that I don't like Sedona Red, you sure were very willing to help me out, and I appreciate it. Take care.
TagMan
Still a very interesting industry, with more than a little art & magic thrown in with the technology.
Thanks!
-moo
Edit: Sorry, posted before I caught up with all the posts. Thanks for the report. After all the talk on this board and a little research of my own, I'm starting to think I might go with a BMW 1-Series. Around the Porsche store here, the GT-R has some hackles raised. I thought that it was going to be a really nice vehicle and you've confirmed that from an aesthetic point of view. Now we just need to drive it!
Think about it... every review of the 1-series is nearly as good as it gets!! That's rare and amazing, and is a great testimony to the car's merit.
Regarding the GT-R, yes the appearance is much better in person than any picture can capture... interior as well. Beyond the car's attractive and yet seriously threatening looks, it has a spec sheet that is so impressive. Just consider the car's powertrain and unbelievable brakes. If you've never seen the cockpit of a Boeing 777, it's worth the google. In fact I'll post it here for fun, for those that have never seen it. The GT-R probably comes closer than any other car, although I realize that is a stretch, but you get my point!!
edit: one of my co-workers says it would look better with a black interior... LOL!
TagMan
Exactly the opposite of what my buddy and I thought when we saw it in the LA autoshow. My buddy has a G35 Coupe and has been paying close attention to the GT-R for about a year so he was so hyped up of getting a chance to look at it close up. Boy, was he DISAPPOINTED! :P
He said first of all this car should carry the Infiniti badge instead of Nissan, which I whole heartily agree. He also mentioned that it looks like Nissan was trying too hard with this car, it'll be better if they just stick the powertrain and drivetrain into the G37 and "rice up" the exterior just a little bit then it'll be perfect. That I agree as well.
Also, I personally think the interior looks too arcade style. I know this has been the Skyline ST-R tradition but I do wish that they could tone it down a little bit.
The interior is serious technology. The car appears to have a definate purpose, and that is to eat up nearly everything else it comes across, and I'm guessing that it will live up to its mission.
And, should it be an Infiniti? I don't know that it matters, but I'll say that Infiniti might be too luxury-oriented. I think this car is fine being a Nissan.
I totally disagree with you about this car. As I said, it has my fullest respect... and when I'm driving my Porsche Carrera S, and a GT-R pulls up to me, I'll respectfully let it pass!!
TagMan
First, I personally think Airbus has Boeing beat on the cockpit design due to they utilize joystick over yolk. :P
Second, I think the 777 cockpit type of "feel" can be achieved without making it like you are playing Play Station.
Also thanks for the informative points on commercial printing.
You definitely shouldn't if you don't want to embarrass yourself.
I don't think you are getting what I am saying. This car has my fullest respect as well, this is probably the best driving machine one can buy below at $100k, save the Corvette Z06. However, what my friend and I don't like is largely the exterior and maybe a little bit about the interior. Last I checked, none of those makes this car go any faster or slower.
Style, again, is largely subjective.
I defend the MB marque overall and everyone here gives the brand a thumbs down (except BMLexus)
I criticize specifically the MB E350 and I get poohpoohed because it is such a competent and good car. :confuse:
Everyday when I drop off my kids to their schools I pass by The Poshest neighborhood in Canada called the "Post Road Neighborhood" and within that neighborhood there is one common site on almost every single driveway and that is a Mercedes Benz (usually an S Class). Now maybe those deluded folks over there have never ever heard about the Jaguar XKR or a Masserati or a Audi A8 but I highly doubt that is the case.
Since MB is not my cup of tea I will have to wait until there is one single forum member who is more informed than myself and has something good to say about MB and hopefully nothing good to say about the E350
Merc1 where the hell are you :confuse:
DETROIT - In an escalating war of green-fuel rhetoric, Toyota Motor CEO Katsuaki Watanabe laid forth several bold moves for the automaker in the next several years.
In a speech delivered here Sunday evening, Watanabe proclaimed that Toyota will:
-- Deliver lithium-ion hybrid vehicles to demonstration fleets in 2010. These vehicles include plug-in hybrids that already have been under development. Toyota, in fact, already has two plug-in prototype vehicles in demonstration tests with the University of California, but they have lower-tech nickel-metal-hydride battery packs.
-- Unveil new hybrid models for the Toyota and Lexus brands at the 2009 Detroit auto show. These will be production vehicles in addition to the Prius, and will be offered only with hybrid powertrains.
-- Increase investment in cellulosic ethanol derived from wood waste, through a Toyota affiliated company.
-- Launch clean-diesel V-8 versions of the Tundra pickup and Sequoia SUV within the next 24 months.
-- Expand the Panasonic joint-venture battery factory, adding an assembly line dedicated to automotive battery applications. The plant also will see an expansion of the Prius battery pack assembly line, from 500,000 units to 600,000 units.
-- Sell 1 million hybrid-powered vehicles by 2011 or 2012.
-- Meet the CAFE standard of a 35 mpg vehicle fleet " well in advance" of the 2020 regulation's start. " We will not wait until the deadline to comply" with the regulations, Watanabe said............
TagMan
That is music to my ears. When I get my new 09 hybrid Lexus I hope the Toronto Patrol Cops dont charge me for slow driving .
1. The 3.5L V6 is smooth but the 5-speed transmission is dated, the same engine feels much more punchier with the 6-speed on the ES.
2. Interior material quality and fit-n'-finish are up to the normal Lexus standard, which is expected of course.
Personally I just couldn't justify of paying $40k+ for a vehicle like the RX.
And besides, you know darned well you will get a BMW with a twin-turbo diesel engine that delivers outstanding fuel-economy, manageable speed (LOL), and terrific handling, as well as that familiar overall look and feel that you have grown to appreciate for over a decade.
TagMan
By reading the press release, looks like the upcoming Lexus hybrid(s) are going to be dedicated models to hybrid only just like the Prius. So in other words, those will be a completely new models.
I'll take a RWD, IS-size and similar performance hybrid Lexus with 250+hp and 40 mpg over the 335d any given day.
TM